Distinguished Teaching Professor Award

The awarding of the title of Distinguished Teaching Professor to a faculty member represents the highest level of recognition for achievements and contributions in university teaching. It recognizes the long-term commitment on the part of an individual to excel in teaching at the University of Cincinnati. This award is made for UC instructors who represent the ideal of the educational profession and have made impactful contributions in teaching, curricular development, and the mentoring and supervision of students.

• Candidates may be instructors of any subject and able to communicate a broad and accurate knowledge of their fields 
• Their work with students should be exemplary in the sense that they create a classroom environment that promotes learning, challenges students to think critically, and motivates students to their fullest potential 
• The instructors should go above and beyond in mentoring and supervising students 
• Nominees should also have: 
  •  A minimum of 10 years of experience in teaching at the rank of instructor or higher and at the University of Cincinnati 
  • Received an award for teaching excellence from the college, university, or a professional association 
  • Evidence of superior teaching of students resulting in significant impact upon their lives, including evidence of assessment measures to document student learning 
  • Evidence of achievement in curricular development and academic planning beyond the individual classroom and subject 
  • Evidence of scholarship, creativity, and innovation related to teaching and learning, such as through the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) publications or presentations in peer-reviewed outlets 
  • Evidence of inclusive teaching practices and/or efforts to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) into pedagogy and classroom practices 
  • Evidence of recognition for contributions to teaching and learning beyond the university 
  • Evidence of effective mentoring and supervision with students 

Recipients are recognized at the UC Faculty Awards Ceremony and receive a plaque and an award of $2,000.

Monday, November 20, 2023

• Deans or their representatives must submit an electronic copy of the nomination dossier in one single pdf file. 
• Colleges may only submit one nomination; therefore, an internal selection process – which shall be developed by the dean or the dean’s representative – should be completed prior to the submission deadline. 
• Submit all nomination materials as a single PDF file using the Distinguished Teaching Professor Nomination Form. 

The nomination packet should be no more than 30 pages in length with no addenda or appendixes. It should be organized according to the six selection criteria above and must include:

• A letter from the Dean documenting that the nominee has met the above criteria. 
• A letter from the nominator (1000 words or less) that describes what makes the nominee a distinguished instructor and highlights major accomplishments relevant to the award. 
• An abbreviated C.V. of the nominee. 
• A list of courses taught over the last three years and a summary of related teaching activities 
  • e.g. curriculum committees, new course development, improvements to laboratories or equipment, pedagogical publications, mentoring, chairing, and/or advising activities. 
• A summary of formal peer and student evaluations over the past three years.  
  • Please summarize student evaluations in a format that is efficient and clear regarding the main features of those evaluations. While both quantitative and qualitative data should be included, do not include copies of individual evaluations. This section should also clarify the methodology by which the student evaluations were collected. 
• Letters from former students emphasizing the profound long-term impact of the professor’s influence on their lives (no more than two letters). 
• Letter from state, national, and/or international organizations or agencies regarding the candidate’s stature as a teacher (no more than one letter).